Sent on behalf of Dr. Rhonda Crocker Ellacott, President & CEO, TBRHSC and CEO, TBRHRI
September 30th, 2021 marks the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The day honours the lost children and survivors of residential schools, their families and communities. Public commemoration of the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools is a vital component of the reconciliation process.
The day also recognizes, Orange Shirt Day. A day that was created in response to Phyllis Wabsted’s experience when she attended a residential school in 1973. On Phyllis’ first day of school they took Phyllis’ orange shirt and she never saw her shirt again. After Webstad first told her story, Orange Shirt Day was launched in 2013 in Williams Lake to commemorate all of the residential school survivors. Orange Shirt Day was an opportunity to discuss the effects of residential schools and their legacy. It honours the experiences of Indigenous Peoples, celebrates resilience and affirms a commitment that every child matters. We encourage all staff to participate in this event and wear orange if possible.
Our Hospital will be hosting a ceremony at the front entrance courtyard tomorrow at 11:00 am. The ceremony will feature hand drumming and share teachings on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, resiliency and tobacco ties. All attendees will have an opportunity to create a tobacco tie. All completed ties will later be taken to the sacred fire. We are encouraging all staff to participate if possible and if time permits.
